Do buyers end up buying what they originally wanted? You would be surprised, 70% of our buyers end up purchasing something completely deferent. See our case studies below.
As the Rolling Stones famously sang: “You can’t always get what you want”. This is certainly true for many house hunters who end up buying a completely different property to the one they first had in mind. Whilst this scenario might conjure up images of dissatisfied house hunters – this couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to Chiltern Relocation’s data on house sales, we believe that 70% of our clients have chosen to buy a property that differed – in some case quite dramatically – to the original brief.
When house hunting the ‘buzz word’ all estate agents will use is compromise. No house hunter will be able to tick every box and there is always a compromise to be had. However, as Chiltern Relocation has found, there is compromise and there is a complete change in opinion as the home search proceeds.
In Chiltern Relocation’s experience over the last 19 years, we have witnessed many clients adapt and change their brief during and after Viewing Days.
Before heading out on a Viewing Day there is a lot of background work and research to carry out in order to make the trip successful. Chiltern Relocation always sends a detailed questionnaire to new clients to fully understand their likes and dislikes. This extends to the particular period of house: for example: barn conversion/Victorian/Regency and particular requests for example: garden room/outbuildings/annexe. Chiltern Relocation then follows up with a videocall to discuss the questionnaire and bounce ideas and get a real feel for the drivers for the move.
Of course, not every client has a fixed idea of their ideal home and come to us very open-minded and wishing to explore a wide range of options in terms of location and type of property that they would consider. The Viewing Day is always 100% client led following time spent together viewing and researching all areas of the client’s move.
The initial Viewing Day is always one of great anticipation – for the client and Chiltern Relocation. We draw up a list of well researched options (which are often pre-viewed) and the clients get to see whether their wishes translate when viewing the properties in person. Understanding the client’s needs and wants following the questionnaire and the videocall, Chiltern Relocation always likes to add in a ‘wild card’ property to the Viewing Day to showcase another option that fits the bill but that the client would not necessarily have considered at the outset – but that Chiltern Relocation feels would be a good fit.
Some examples of clients choosing a property that was quite different from the original brief:
A couple from Notting Hill wanted a period house in the middle of the Oxfordshire countryside with land for horses and plenty of space for their twin two-year-old boys. Our Viewing Day covered three counties as we explored rural options. During the day the client realised how long his commute to London would be and that it would impact the time he would be able to spend with his twins. Chiltern Relocation’s ‘wild card’ was a new build house tucked away on a private road in the central of a town. The couple soon realised that what they originally wanted was no longer the case. The convenience of the commute coupled with the town location with excellent schools within walking distance was of greater importance to the family. The family were thrilled with the move.
A couple from Canary Wharf wanted a new or recently built house so they could move in straight away. Following a couple of Viewing Days, the couple realised that they couldn’t find the property that they wanted in the location that they wanted. With both working in London the commute time had to be prioritised and proximity to the station was key. Chiltern Relocation’s ‘wild card’ was a property that would need extensive refurbishment and was the true definition of ‘a project’. The couple were excited by the interiors of houses we had seen on our Viewing Days and felt that they could bring their own ideas to their chosen location. The couple decided to bite the bullet and go into rented accommodation. The build completed on time to their specifications and they couldn’t be happier.
A family from Chelsea was desperate to have a Victorian period property with all the original features. Being from the heart of Chelsea they didn’t want to give up their conveniences so were also keen to have cafes in walking distance. We explored a range of suitable houses but there were not many Victorian properties in town. We found a delightful period house in the village of Seer Green just a few miles from Beaconsfield that ticked all the boxes. The village is very welcoming with a vibrant social community, a few shops and two excellent pubs. Location wise it was a far cry from the conveniences of Chelsea but the couple had their heart set on the house. They are loving village life and all it has to offer.
A couple from Toronto needed to rent a flat in central Henley. They required space for them, their son, their cats and to work from home. The couple were quite adamant that a central location was key for them but on viewing various flats it soon became apparent that they would not be able to get the space that they wanted for their budget and circumstances. Chiltern Relocation found a great family property on the outskirts of Henley. It was a sizeable house yet just a short drive to all the attractions of central Henley. The couple first saw the property in person on move in day as we handled it all for them from a distance. Chiltern Relocation was a little downcast that the couple were originally disheartened on seeing the property as they realised that it wasn’t exactly what they wanted. However, within days, the couple appreciated how fantastic the property was and that it really did meet all their needs. They made great friends locally and expressed their sincere gratitude that at the time Chiltern Relocation understood their needs better than they did.
If you would like help to find your ideal home then please do get in touch. Call 01494 672086, email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our site for more information www.chilternrelocation.com
